Your license is on a clock. We request the hearing, review the paperwork and build a plan to keep you driving.
The short answer. After a DUI arrest the DMV can start an Administrative Per Se suspension that is separate from the criminal case. You generally have 10 days from receiving the order to request a hearing. For many adult first-offense alcohol cases the temporary license is good for 30 days, and the suspension is set to begin after that unless action is taken.
Work, family obligations, school pickups and medical appointments all get harder when a license is suspended. The hearing is document-heavy and deadline-heavy, so small mistakes matter.
| When | What happens | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest | License may be taken; temporary license issued | You call us |
| Within 10 days | Hearing request window | We request the APS hearing |
| Before the temporary license ends | Suspension set to begin unless action is taken | We evaluate a stay and restricted license options |
| Hearing | The DMV decides the suspension | We challenge the stop basis, arrest sequence, testing and paperwork |
For a first-offense, non-injury alcohol case at 0.08% or more, the DMV says you may apply after 30 days for an employment and treatment restricted license, or immediately for an ignition interlock restricted license. The interlock option allows driving at any time to any place if the vehicle has the device. The employment restriction ties driving to work and DUI program travel. Repeat drivers face tougher rules.
We align the DMV and court strategies so you are not boxed in by inconsistent positions, and we review the evidence that decides license outcomes: the stop basis, arrest sequence, testing procedures and paperwork trail. The goal is a clean, deadline-tight defense that either fights the suspension head-on or sets you up for the most workable restricted-driving and reinstatement path.
Local knowledge matters: Howard Williams is familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures at El Cajon Superior Court. You get direct access to your attorney, not a call center, and we are available 24/7 for emergencies. Over 20 years of experience.
Related services: DMV Administrative Hearings, Refused Chemical Test, First-Time DUI.
Call The Law Firm of Howard Williams now for a free consultation. Payment plans may be available for qualified clients.
Sources: California DMV, Driving Under the Influence pages and first-offender guidance. The information on this page is general and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Howard Williams helps drivers across El Cajon and San Diego County request a California DMV APS hearing on time and fight license suspension – contact us today.
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Generally within 10 days of receiving the suspension or revocation order. Missing that window can cost you the chance to fight the suspension before it takes effect.
For many adult first-offense alcohol cases, the temporary license is good for 30 days, and the suspension is set to begin after that unless action is taken.
For a first-offense, non-injury alcohol case at 0.08% or more, you may apply after 30 days for an employment and treatment restricted license, or immediately for an ignition interlock restricted license.
An ignition interlock license allows driving at any time to any place as long as the vehicle has the device. The employment and treatment restriction ties driving to work and DUI program travel.
No. The DMV case and the criminal case are parallel tracks, and one does not automatically decide the other.
Request the hearing on time, review the arrest report, test records and paperwork, and keep the DMV and court positions consistent so you are not boxed in.
These official sources give general information on this topic. They are not legal advice.
